Advertise on podcast: Extrology: Mastering People, Performance & Purpose

Most digital products reflect the people who build them, not the people who use them.  That insight led Alwar Pillai to build Fable, a company with 70% of its workforce living with a disability - they’re a business that wholly promises to practice what they preach. They’ve brought people with disabilities into the heart of product development for some of the most recognised brands in the world; Microsoft, Walmart, Meta and Figma to name but a few. So how did Alwar build something that’s scaled true to her vision, and how has she navigated the journey from designer to Founder, to CEO, and back out again? Join us on this week’s episode of Extrology. Lee and Alwar discuss: Designing beyond the “average user”The journey from compliance to usability in accessibilityBuilding Fable as a bridge between disabled users and tech giantsLeadership, succession, and letting go as a founderAI bias and the future of inclusive productsAlwar Pillai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alwarpillai/ Fable: https://makeitfable.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/makeitfable/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Starting a business is a deeply irrational act - yet Christoph Lippuner was driven to create purpose for not just his own life, but for the whole healthcare sector. Semble was born from a very personal experience in Christophe's family and from the realisation that healthcare professionals often have systems working against them, rather than for them.  This week’s episode of Extrology is focused around building from crisis, making trust the real product in healthcare, and how a founder learns to become a CEO without losing the mission. Lee and Christoph discuss: The Founder to CEO Transition, and Letting GoPurpose and Personal Story in EntrepreneurshipFixing Healthcare Through Trust and InteroperabilityReducing Clinician Burnout and Admin OverloadMindfulness, Creativity and Sustainable LeadershipChristoph Lippuner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-lippuner-9a0b6951 Semble https://www.semble.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/semble-health/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Some stories are told for inspiration, some for entertainment, but a very few become instruction manuals for the next generation.  Today’s Extrology episode documents one such manual, written by a leader forged through experiences at Oracle, Salesforce and Siebel Systems - Steve Garnett. He grew up in a council house in Liverpool, mentored by one maths teacher who changed everything.  Behind Steve’s work scaling some of the most iconic tech machines in history, lies a lesson in systems, scar tissue and scale with soul.  What Steve's doing now with education, legacy and angel investing reveals not just how to build billion dollar companies, but how to build the kind of life that compounds… Lee and Steve discuss: The power of resilience and mentorship in shaping a life and careerLeadership at Oracle, Siebel, and Salesforce, and how they maintain high-performing The critical role of core valuesChallenges and opportunities presented by technological revolutions, and the need for leaders to adapt and drive change from the topLegacy, philanthropy, and giving backSteve Garnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stgarnett/?originalSubdomain=uk Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Lyndon Stickley has built and exited 6 companies, scaled through chaos, and sold for 9 figures - there’s no substitute for the graft and experience he brings to iplicit. He’s CEO of a SaaS platform which is one of the UK’s fastest growing, not because of what it does, but because of how it operates. What can’t be replicated is iplicit’s culture, the DNA running deep in a team growing unfathomably quickly… that’s at the heart of today’s utterly unmissable episode of Extrology. Lee and Lyndon discuss: Strategic scaling in an untapped market segmentThe restraint and vision behind Lyndon’s decision to focus on the UK marketCulture as iplicit’s competitive edge, and how you scale it to a huge, ever-expanding teamTalent acquisition in a market where geography is irrelevantLong-term perspective vs instant gratificationLessons on trust, clarity and cultureLyndon Stickley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndon-stickley-bab38b78/ iplicit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iplicit/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Chris Brisson made a public decision to kill the company he’d built, live in front of 34,000 customers.  Why did Call Loop have to fall for Salesmsg to rise in its wake? That’s the million dollar question for a Co-Founder who builds in silence what others try to shout into existence. This episode of Extrology is a record of the success that’s found by overcoming your old ways, and building systems that scale under pressure. Lee and Chris discuss: Chris' bold, deliberate choice to "kill" his previous business to rebuild anew with SalesmsgHow bringing in the right co-founders and team members can unlock potential Embracing a mindset of constant refinement, treating every business department as a "product" that can be optimisedTexting as a sacred channel to reach your customersThe continuous unlearning of old management styles that drives Chris’ growth as a leaderChris Brisson:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbrisson/ Salesmsg: https://www.linkedin.com/company/salesmsg/ https://www.salesmessage.com/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Extrology launched with little representing commercial plans, or a big question to answer - yet 5 years on, it’s taught us so much about others, and about ourselves. What we’ve uncovered about the extraordinary amounts to a free MBA every week, and so this week I’m sharing five of the most powerful lessons that have changed the way I lead my life. This episode covers: The ability to listen not in order to respond, but to understandWhy consistency reigns supremeHow to find your voiceThe real differentiator that sets high achievers apartPressure’s role in revealing what’s rehearsed and what’s realSend us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

This week’s Extrology is not a productivity pep talk, it’s an exposé of all the habits you’ve been telling yourself you’ll change, but never have… Rebecca Shaddix is a Founder, Forbes contributor, and a formidable voice on the real cost of success in high performance environments. She’s built a philosophy from first-hand burnout, which places her perfectly to deconstruct the dangerous myths driving pseudo-productivity today. Drop the hero complex and reclaim your time, as Rebecca joins us on an unmissable hour of the Extrology podcast. Lee and Rebecca discuss: Redefining productivity by focusing on intentional micro-moments, strategic output, and personal well-being The concept of being a "Time Billionaire" purposefully investing your time rather than simply spending itStrategies to identify and interrupt unproductive habitsEmbracing acceptable mistakes, and learning to pick your priorityRebecca Shaddix:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccashaddix/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Flexible leadership isn't about style or softness. It's about letting go of ego, and prioritising what's truly needed with precision. Kevin Eikenberry is one of the most recognised voices in leadership development over the past three decades, building a 30 year business around one idea, that great leaders don't cling to rigid playbooks.  This isn't a conversation about frameworks. It's about identity. Kevin himself had to unlearn the habits that made him successful, shifting with modern leadership. Discover how you can do the same - join us for an unmissable episode of Extrology… Lee and Kevin discuss: Flexible leadership as a mindset, adapting to changing circumstancesThe critical role of self-reflection Influencing outcomes and people, not controlling themThe need to balance discomfort with a compelling vision that inspires actionKevin Eikenberry:  https://kevineikenberry.com/flexible/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Irrational obsession is the most rational investment strategy that exists. For those with a passion, and who believe the world is theirs to earn, you’ve a like-minded soul in Carmen Alfonso Rico, an angel investor actively seeking Founders with more than a mere passion. Discover what sets Founders apart, the mindset systems behind how Carmen operates, and how to rewrite the playbook on early stage investing…  Lee and Carmen discuss: Obsession as a Founder's superpowerIrrational, passionate commitment being more valuable than rational decision-makingRecognising the patterns in startupsCultural differences in risk-taking between territoriesFounders’ need for deep self-awareness, responsibility for mistakes, and a relentless commitment to personal and professional growthThe novels that have helped to develop empathy, a crucial skill for understanding foundersCarmen Alfonso Rico:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/calfonsorico/ Cocoa: https://www.cocoa.vc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/calfonsorico/ Articles mentioned:  https://paulgraham.com/greatwork.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/opinion/persistence-work-difficulty.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

The UK’s first silent disco was a way to bring joy to parties. A decade later, and it’s a full-blown entertainment empire. The Silent Disco Company isn’t just about events, but evolution. It represents the impossible task of growing a brand in which energy is everything. That’s what makes this conversation with Founder Toby Burns so profound - it’s your blueprint to reinventing identity, and turning play into purpose without losing your edge. Lee and Toby discuss: The inception of the iconic silent disco movement in the UKToby’s core philosophy, and how it drives the lasting memories he makesHow to instil the Founder’s energy throughout a growing teamWhy entrepreneurs undertake the toughest journeys in businessThe value of surrounding yourself with successful people and being open to learningRedefining success beyond financial metrics, and building a legacyToby Burns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-burns/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Success is not achieved by seeking a financial triumph. Instead, it’s the side effect of pursuing greatness. Michael Tecku was happily retired, until only the pull of purpose and a medical emergency drew him to his latest endeavour - Founding Momentum Shake. Behind the story of the man creating the Rolls Royce of supplements, lies the mosaic of a man for whom modesty, ambition, ownership and selflessness are non-negotiable. Lee and Michael discuss: The true purpose of entrepreneurship beyond financial successHow to build businesses aligned with personal growthThe importance of generating value over chasing profitsStrategies for continuous personal and professional developmentMichael Tecku:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tecku-55162415b/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

What happens when all that you’ve built - career, purpose, status - starts to crumble… not through failure, but simply because your body says ‘No more’? Dr Jeanne Retief started life on the front lines of international human rights law, but after a diagnosis of panic disorder, she saw the kind of invisible collapse that so many high performers experience. Rebuilt and reimagined, she’s forged a new identity and launched Figgi Beauty, and the story of how it came to be might just help you reclaim your power, whatever you’re facing… CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses sensitive topics around sexual abuse, attempted suicide, and alcoholism - listener discretion advised. Lee and Jeanne discuss: How high-achieving professionals can turn mental health challenges into business strengthsThe transformative power of vulnerability in leadershipStrategies for managing anxiety and building a purpose-driven businessWhy sensitivity isn't a weakness, but potentially your greatest assetHow community and authenticity can heal youDr Jeanne Retief:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeanne-retief/ Figgi Beauty: https://www.figgibeautyuk.com/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

The world is at war, and while we’re sat at home comfortably wishing it better, Emery Brusset is making a genuine difference. Since 1991, Emery has been pivotal to bringing life-saving aid to Iraq, Rwanda, Ukraine and Libya, and he’s perfectly placed to explore the human reality of conflict. Courage and clarity are at the heart of this episode of Extrology - explore what we gain when we stop reducing people to spreadsheets, and build a better picture of our world… Lee and Emery discuss: How traditional humanitarian aid often misses the markThe limitations of bureaucratic reporting and the power of visual storytellingWhy soft power in international aid is more complex than governments claimEmery’s ‘Letter C’ initiative, aiming to transform how we understand and deliver humanitarian supportEmery Brusset:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/emery-brusset-3526781/ Letter C https://www.linkedin.com/company/letter-c-cordee/ https://www.letter-c.com/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Have you ever felt limited by the belief that you’re simply not a creative person? On this week’s episode of Extrology, Lee Cooper interviews Pia Mailhot-Leichter, author of “Welcome to the Creative Club”, Founder of Kollektiv Studio and a truly bold creative voice.  Pia challenges the conventional definition of creativity, arguing it’s not just for artists but an inherent part of being human - a birthright we often forget. They delve into Pia's unconventional journey - from working as a journalist in Sri Lanka, to producing an economic documentary in Bahrain, then building award winning creative campaigns for global brands. Now Pia helps visionaries and founders bring wild ideas to life.  Discover how to dismantle the limiting beliefs holding you back, embrace creativity as an identity, navigate creative blocks, and make your life your biggest, most fulfilling art project.  In this episode of extrology you will: Learn how fear and self-doubt limit your creative expressionDiscover why curiosity is the secret ingredient to unlocking creativity.Understand creativity as a way of beingExplore how to design your life as a creative act of self-expression.Pia Mailhot-Leichter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pialeichter/ BOOK: Welcome to the Creative Club: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Creative-Club-Biggest-Project-ebook/dp/B0DPJ644PZ/ref=sr_1_1 Kollektic Studio: https://kollektiv.studio/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/

Looking to scale a tech company from zero to multi-millions? Our latest guest achieved just that in only 4 years! In episode 128 of Extrology, Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas breaks down how he built a team that can outperform competitors from Silicon Valley, with just 40 people in Cardiff.  Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking to understand what truly drives high-performing teams, this episode offers valuable insights.  Lee and Tim discuss: How clear values, trust, purpose, and removing fear of failure breeds high performance teamsThe importance of defining a clear “North Star” goal.Demonstrating vulnerability as a leader, admitting mistakes, and creating a culture of accountabilityThe future of digital verification technologies and the challenges Credas faces in a complex marketIntegrating community engagement and purpose beyond pure business metricsTim Barnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothymbarnett/ Credas: https://credas.com/ Send us a text Get in touch: [email protected] Extrology: https://www.extrology.com/ https://www.instagram.com/extrologypodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@extrology https://substack.com/@extrology https://www.youtube.com/@extrology Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/